Books in A Michael Neugebauer Book series

Oliver and his mother are very poor. Oliver has never had a visit from Santa Claus. Wasn't I good? wonders Oliver. Or maybe Santa never brought him a present because Oliver never wished for anything. When his friend brings him a red balloon from the fair, Oliver decides to let the wonderful balloon fly away, hoping it will carry his letter to Santa. Poor Oliver! The balloon never reaches the North Pole. It lands in grumpy old Nicholas's garden, which leads to a surprising, deeply satisfying outcome.

A timid young hare wakes from his rest and sniffs the cool evening air. It should be safe now to leave his hiding place and look for food. But wait! On this night, something is different. The birds are still awake, butterflies flutter through the sky, and small animals chatter excitedly. What could be happening? Then the hare sees a man and woman heading toward the stable. The man speaks quietly to the animals and soon they hurry off to collect branches, roots, twigs, and feathers for him. Frightened, but curious, the hare creeps closer. He watches the animals gather by the stable door and he wonders what they see. Finally, the hare gathers all his courage and hops into the stable. He finds a baby lying in a manger who inspires his sympathy and generosity, for here is someone even more vulnerable than himself, in need of a gift only he can give.

In an unusual holiday story, a band of stuffed bears embark on a secret mission that teaches young and old alike a joyous message about the true spirit of Christmas. The bears remove the Christmas gifts from under trees all over town, replacing them with notes that remind the people of those who are forgotten and alone on Christmas. What results is a wonderful celebration for all--complete with gifts given and received, laughter, music, good company, and holiday cheer

Once upon a time Tian, the Lord of the Cranes, decided to leave his home, high in the clouds, and fly down to the city to test the people. Dressed in rags, he went begging for alms, but only the innkeeper Wang, passed the test. Tian rewarded Wang with a miraculous gift, a gift that brought fame and fortune to the innkeeper, and in return, Wang vowed to help the Lord of the Cranes with his special mission. The painter Jian Jiang Chen remembered this folktale from his childhood in China. He heard it from an old man who told stories accompanied by a violin--a common form of entertainment at that time when so few Chinese had televisions. Retold here by his wife, Kerstin, it is a haunting and uplifting tale of virtue rewarded.

When Father Rabbit sends his three little rabbits off into the world, he tells them to dig themselves safe burrows, because, he warns, ""if a fox comes around, you must hide in the ground."" Giddy with their new independence, two of the little rabbits do not heed their father's warning. Only their sister takes the time to dig a safe burrow, working day and night while her brothers play. Her hard work pays off, for a sly, hungry fox does indeed come around, threatening the three little rabbits! This engaging folktale, a Balkan version of ""The Three Little Pigs,"" is illustrated with great charm by the internationally acclaimed artist Ivan Gantschev.

One day Sam decides he does not want to go to school. He comes up with the idea of sending his stuffed monkey in his place. As he dresses the monkey in his own school clothes, tells him how to behave, and describes kindergarten, Sam realizes how bored he'll be at home. Sam decides that htye will both go to school today. Whether it's first-day jitters or middle-of-term blahs, here's the perfect solution for children who don't want to go to school.

One day Sam decides he does not want to go to school. He comes up with the idea of sending his stuffed monkey in his place. As he dresses the monkey in his own school clothes, tells him how to behave, and describes kindergarten, Sam realizes how bored he'll be at home. Sam decides that htye will both go to school today. Whether it's first-day jitters or middle-of-term blahs, here's the perfect solution for children who don't want to go to school.

It's no wonder nobody wants to play with Rocky. He turns everything into a contest and if he doesn't win he whines, "That's not fair!" One day kind, patient Humphrey takes Rocky fishing with him. Humphrey's actions speak much louder than words, showing Rocky that winning isn't everything. ?This sequel to Santa's Gift will entertain young children while it teaches them another important lesson in values.

""I don't know if I'm too big or too little,"" laments the heroine of this story. Her mother tells her she's too big to be carried upstairs, but too little to chew bubble gum. She's too little to play with the boy downstairs, but too big to eat with her fingers. It's very confusin--and upsetting. Children will relate to this sweet, reassuring story about a youngster's first identity crisis.